Monday, 31 December 2012

When a mysterious man proposes to Suzu and she accepts her life changes forever. As Suzu settles into her daily life in her new home tragedy strikes. A cautionary tale about war is about too unfold.

Serialized in the seinen(men's) comic anthology Manga Action, To All the Corners of the World is at times heartwarming at others tragic. Kouno develops her characters very well feeling not only sympathetic but also real as well.

A great deal of effort went into establishing the era and setting. The artwork is incredibly lush with detail. In conclusion To All the Corners of the World is an incredible work from beginning to end. Highly recommended!

Saturday, 15 December 2012

Twilight: The Graphic Novel vol. 1 & 2 Story by Stephenie Meyer, Art & Adaptation by Young Kim
When she moves to the town of forks, Bella quickly encounters Edward. As time passes, both she and Edward fall in love. However as she comes to know him she discovers he has many secrets. What awaits Bella as she falls in love with Edward?
Based on a popular novel by the same name: Twilight: the Graphic Novel suffers from many several flaws. To its credit, the books are printed on a very high quality paper and feature gorgeous artwork. However the backgrounds often appear as if they were simply a photograph and the dialogue balloons are frequently transparent becoming frustratingly difficult to read.
The character designs for both lead characters are done with incredible detail it’s clear much effort went into this comic’s art in that respect. The plot seems almost non-existent I the first volume and in the second book the story is thin at best. The romance suffers from a seriously misogynistic perspective on love and thus fails as a good romance as well. The supporting cast receives little development as well. In conclusion Twilight: the Graphic Novel fails as both a romance comic and even moreso as a story.
Rating: 5.5/10
Twilight: The Graphic Novel is available in North America in print from Yen Press.

Friday, 14 December 2012

Limit vol. 1 story and art by Keiko Suenobu
Mizuki lived a rather ordinary life until what should have been an ordinary school trip goes horribly awry. When the bus crashes and Mizuki is among the only five survivors a fight for survival begins. How will Mizuki and the other survivors survive until help arrives.
Serialized in the shojo (girl’s) comic anthology Bessatsu Friend, Limit grabs hold of the reader from the first page. The story is gripping each step of the way. While the central plot is a survival thriller the title also deals with the theme of bullying in both a sensitive and realistic way. The entire cast is sympathetic on several levels.
Suenobu has created a scenario which is portrayed realistically; the chcracters behave in a very real manner which adds to the sense of realism. Yet at the same time the plot never loses grip of the reader. The first volume also boasts gorgeous, detailed art. All in all reading Limit is incredible experience deserving nothing short of the highest praise.
Rating 9/10
Limit is available in North America in print from Vertical.

Wednesday, 28 November 2012

Paradise Kiss vol. 1 story & Art by Ai Yazawa
Yukari lived an average life until the day she entered Paradise Kiss. That day, her life would change forever, as she delves into the world of fashion. For Yukari, a new journey is about to unfold and along the way she meets several quirky individuals most notably bad boy George. What awaits for Yukari in the world of fashion that is Paradise Kiss?
Serialized in the Josei (women’s) comic anthology Zipper in Japan, Paradise Kiss explores Yukari’s journey through the world of fashion. The entire cast is interesting and well developed featuring memorable characters and countless memorable moments. It is a title really anyone could enjoy and relate too. The protagonist Yukari comes across as a flawed yet relatable person as do all the characters.
The title also sports a gorgeous artwork which is to be expected from Yazawa. The pacing is perfect: not a panel is wasted. The series strikes the perfect balance between gut-busting humour and coming-of-age drama. All-in-all Paradise Kiss is an excellent title which remains with the reader well after the final page.
Rating: 10/10
Paradise Kiss is available in North America in print from Vertical.

Wednesday, 14 November 2012

When the N5S virus, which effectively turns humans into
zombies, begins to spread synthetic human Zoichi must enter an infected area.
Alongside his artificial intelligence companion Fuyu, Zoichi must embark on a
journey. A science fiction epic begins!

Serialized in the seinen (young men) Ultra Jump comic
anthology in Japan, Biomega is filled with gorgeously elaborate artwork from
beginning to end. It Is clear Nihei spent much time and effort into creating this series. The imagery is
incredible as well; this series is truly a visual spectacle. However, the
series suffers in several other regards.

First the character designs often appear very similar for
the human characters. This was one of several aspects which made Biomega
difficult to follow. With an incredibly elaborate world filled with abstract
imagery and a plot which moves so quickly there were points in Biomega that
even the characters themselves expressed confusion for what was going on. I
found that as the series progressed I was receiving more questions than
answers. There were large expanses of time where I had zero idea what was even
occurring.

In conclusion Biomega is nice to look at but suffers from
being far too complicated. Admittedly, the world itself is fascinating and I
sincerely hope a book is released explaining the Biomega universe. Recommended
for those who enjoy science fiction but for those whose interests lie elsewhere
you may want to skip this one.

Sunday, 4 November 2012

Hinamizawa: a long abandoned, remote village shrouded in
mystery. When Otobe awakens in a forest near he soon comes across
sword-wielding Mion. Things continue spiral outward into the bizarre and it
will be up to Otobe and his new companions to piece it all together.

Based on the Higurashi visual novel (text driven video
games) franchise and serialized in Monthly G Fantasy. Higurashi When They Cry
Beyond Midnight Arc is part of a much larger series of comics yet prior
familiarity with the franchise is certainly not necessary. The work does well
on its own.

The artwork is eye-pleasing as well as distinct and the
story flows well. The title is impossible to put down once started being filled
with constant twists and turns yet never to the point of excess. The cast is well
developed. In conclusion the title is well-crafted and the perfect blend of
mystery and horror.

Rating: 8/10

Higurashi When They Cry Beyond Midnight Arc is available in
North America in print from Yen Press and digitally from Square Enix.

Saturday, 29 September 2012

Yamato Yamada has a dream: to become a published comic
artist. His ambitions will have to bare are placed on hold, however, one
day when he beats the local gang leader
with his previously non-existent super strength. What is the source of Yamato’s
newly awakened powers?

Serialized in Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump comic anthology
in Japan and in North America in Viz Media’s Weekly Shonen Jump Alpha
Takagamahara is simultaneously campy fun and largely unspectacular. The series
seems to be a homage to American superhero comics which in itself is at least
worth trying the series out. On the other hand the series is not without it’s
issues.

The protagonist is generic incarnate both visually and
personality wise and the cast in general is largely uninteresting. There is
also an incredibly bizarre Hulk imitation as the antagonist in one story arc.
Yet all-in-all the series is fun. The concept is original though I don’t see
much in the way of a plot developing but the fight scenes are blood-pumping and
the art quickly started to grow on me. In the end, I suppose, Takagamahara is a
guilty pleasure type of series. It may not be a masterpiece but it sure is a
heck of a lot of fun!

Takagamahara is presently only available through Viz Media’s
digital only Weekly Shonen Jump anthology in North America.

Sunday, 19 August 2012

Big Windup! Season 1 Directed by Tsutomu Mizushima, Produced
by A-1 Pictures

Having transferred schools, Mihashi promptly sets out to
become part of his new school’s newly formed baseball team. Quickly, he catches
the eye of the team’s catcher Abe. However, while Abe feels Mihashi has
potential to become a great pitcherhe must first deal with Mihashi’s
personality and mysterious past. Will he succeed or fail?

This show lives and dies with the viewer’s passion for
baseball. It you’re passionate about it and love the idea of it being combined
with the medium of animation you might enjoy this show. If, however, you are
like me and are completely disinterested in baseball this show will do little
to change that. Big Windup! adapts Asa Higuchi’s sports comic of the same name
which ran in Kodansha’s Afternoon comic anthology in Japan.

To the show’s credit it has a very organic feel to it from
the ways the characters think and act to the colour palette used. That being
said the baseball games themselves drag on for ungodly long periods of time. The
second (and final) game is the worst offender spanning eleven episodes of the
26 episode first season. Even the first game feels slightly too dragged out at
five episodes. The amount of detail the series goes into for both games is nigh
maddening. In the second game it goes so far as to practically give the thoughts
behind all the involved players of a certain action at any point in time.

The series main problem however is its own protagonist.
Mihashi is grating on the nerves (and the ears) of those around him and the
viewer. While he makes for an interesting character his introverted personality
results in his many, many inner monologues grating on the viewer. It is also
difficult to identify oneself with a character
whose so erratic.

If the series had been edited to roughly half its run time
and the viewer was allowed to infer more this rather than each detail being so thoroughly
explained this may have been a truly great show. However, while the title
succeeded well enough in Japan to warrant a second season in North America
Funimation (the company which dubbed and distributed the title in the United
States and Canada) publicly announced it sold poorly for them that they would
not release anymore of the series or any other titles in its genre.

Big Windup! is available digitally and on home video in
North America from Funimation.

Sunday, 12 August 2012

Jonah, Koko, and the rest of the crew’s exploits continue. Get
ready for one bullet crazy adventure! One question remains however: Will our
heroes survive?

It speaks volumes about a series when one of the most
memorable things in a book is the one character’s-lack-of-underwear subplot
which is played straight. The only other notable area in these books is Jonah’s
long overdue backstory which appears in the third volume. Jormungand remains
by-and-large a forgettable title.

Those in search of adrenaline filled titles will be satisfied
but anyone looking for substance of any kind really will be sorely
disappointed. Even the adrenaline moments feel meaningless because there is
practically zero emotional attachment to the characters. One point in this
series favour, though, is how stylish it
is but even that will not be enough to keep readers interested.

Friday, 10 August 2012

Kyousuke was living a relatively ordinary life. That is
until the day he discovers one of his sister’s, Kirino’s, deepest secrets… Will
Kyousuke be able to keep Kirino’s secret double life as an otaku from others?

An adaptation of a light novel (the closest western
equivalent I can think of to light novels is YA Novels) by Tsukasa Fushimi.
Oreimo is easily one of the most accessible titles I’ve seen when it comes to animation
geared towards Otaku. The fan service is kept to a minimum and the characters
are on some level relatable.

The title also has a much more organic feel than most titles
in the genre which typically trend towards being ludicrously over the top. The
title is also gorgeous visually as well complete with visually appeasing
character designs and fluid animation. The more I watched the more apparent it
became that much care and attention went into creating this title.

Oreimo is currently streaming on Crunchyroll and Crackle,
the title is available on home video from Aniplex USA

Tuesday, 31 July 2012

Koko, a weapon’s
merchant, hires former child soldier Jonah as part of her crew. Many adventures
await for the pair as well as the rest of Koko’s crew. An adrenaline-pumping
journey in which gunshots and explosions are abounded begins!

Serialized in Monthly Sunday Gene-X, Jormungand is brimming
to the seams with action. However even those who enjoy titles in a similar vein
of Hollywood action titles will not be pleased. The reader is given little
reason to care for these characters who seem perfectly fine (or in some cases
glee in) killing. Thus far the majority of the cast seems underdeveloped.

The result is a title in which the explosions have no
meaning. There’s literally zero tension and the reader has zero reason to care
whether the characters live or die. Jormungand has one bright side however and
that is in the slick artwork and action scenes which for now is enough to keep
me reading.

Wednesday, 4 July 2012

Inu Boku Secret Service episodes 1-12 Directed by Naokatsu Suda, Produced
by David Production

Ririchyo has always had difficulties becoming closer to
those around her, a problem due in no small part to the cruel words she says.
However these words are often the farthest thing from how she truly feels. A
mysterious man named Soshi appears and proclaims himself as her dog who sees
through her façade. Can Soshi bring out Ririchiyo’s true self?

Animated in Japan, Inu Boku is, if nothing else, easy on the
eyes. The character designs are appealing for both male and female characters. The
story is at it’s best when focusing on Ririchiyo’s internal conflicts which are
fascinating on their own.

The rest of the cast however, feels largely like one note
gags for most of the series run and the humour often falls flat. Super deformed
art is used far too often though it can be amusing at times. For most of the
show’s run the plot meanders this changes in the last few episodes but by this
point the audience has long stopped caring. All in all Inu Boku Secret Service
is dull and forgettable. Skip it.

Rating: 5.5/10

Inu Boku Secret Sevice is streaming on Crunchyroll and The
Anime Network with a home video release scheduled for release by Sentai
Filmworks in North America.

Tuesday, 19 June 2012

Nonnonba Story and Art by Shigeru Mizuki
Shige spends his days playing soldier and with his brothers. Though his world may be constantly changing, however, there is always one constant: the titular Nonnonba and her tales of the yokai. Experience a world of magic and wonder!
Shigeru Mizuki’s tale is, if nothing else, fascinating seamlessly blurring the line between fantasy and reality. Mizuki details his childhood in this sophisticated comic. While the protagonist is a child this is something recommended for a more mature audience due both tone and subject matter.
The story’s primary focus is on the drama within Mizuki’s family as well as the characters he meets. Mizuki’s artwork is distinct and memorable as are the characters. Accompanying the story is an article and notes providing information on Japanese culture to those unfamiliar as well as an article. All-in-all it is clear that much effort was put into the release of Nonnonba and it is quite clear why. This is easily a title worth recommending
Nonnonba is available in print in North America from Drawn & Quarterly.

Wednesday, 13 June 2012

Animal Man issue 1 Story by Jeff Lemire Colored by Lovern Kindzierski
As time has progressed, Buddy Baker has stepped away from a life fighting crime to be at home with his family and live a relatively normal life. This changes one day when he returns briefly to his life as a crime fighter but and finds his powers have gone awry. When he awakens from a nightmare that night he finds something strange has occurred in the real world.
Published by DC Comics in North America as part of The New 52, Animal Man looks and feels unique. Jeff Lemire’s writing breathes new life into a fascinating super hero. The story feels as if it can stand on its own without prior knowledge of the DC Universe going to great lengths to welcome new readers.
The psychological aspect of the story is by far the most fascinating part by far. If one complaint were to be made it would be the supporting characters seem a tad predictable. Nonetheless this is an easily recommendable read and a great start to an interesting series.
Animal Man is available digitally on Comixology and in print from DC Comics.

Tuesday, 12 June 2012

Kids on the Slope Episodes 1-9 directed by Shinichiro Watanabe, Produced by Mappa and Tezuka Productions
Set during the American occupation of Japan in the 1960s. As he was constantly moving Kaoru was always an outsider at the schools he attended, this all changes one day when he meets resident bad boy Sentaro. The two find a common interest in the form of jazz and thus a tale of friendship, romance, and music unfolds.
Running as part of Fuji TV’s Noitamina animation block in Japan, Kids on the Slope is an animated series which is truly a gem. It’s clear that so much love and effort was put into this series. Every beat, every motion contains purpose. This series is top notch every moment.
The art is gorgeous, the characters and plot are well written; it all flows together so seamlessly. The music, created by Yoko Kanno (who had previously worked on the Cowboy Bebop animated series with director Shinichiro Watanabe) is nothing short of breathtaking. Put this all together and you have an animated treasure.
Kids on the Slope is streaming on Crunchyroll and The Anime Network with a home video release from Sentai Filmworks to follow in the future.

Tuesday, 5 June 2012

Moehime Story and Art by Koito Akiyama
Tomoe, an identifying fujoshi (female comic geek in Japan) and daughter of a noble, is petrified of other people. One day while settling into her new home she encounters a group of yokai. Thus a tale begins of their wacky escapades.
Moehime is a light-hearted series and it is well aware of it. The characters are lovable and memorable and the plotline is fun. Most importantly however this series explores a subject matter which rarely appears in the west: fujoshi culture and it is all the more memorable for it.
While several comics arrive in the west from Japan exploring otaku (male comic geek in Japan) culture few series explore it’s aforementioned counterpart fujoshi culture with as much depth as this series does. Add-in the fact the historical setting of this title and you have a series well worth recommending!
Moehime is available on JManga

Monday, 4 June 2012

Barrage chapter 1 review Story and Art by Kouhei Horikoshi
Astro lived a relatively average life in the slums raising orphans while working for next to nothing. One day he loses his job and soon finds himself meeting Prince Barrage. From that point his life will change forever.
Serialized in the Japanese comic anthology Weekly Shonen Jump in Japan and it’s counterpart Weekly Shonen Jump Alpha in North America. Barrage sports excellent art reminiscent of Kazue Kato’s Blue Exorcist comic series. Thus far it appears to be a fun adventure. The protagonist appears to be your average shonen (boys’) comic protagonist (the delinquent with a heart of gold trope).
As of now I believe Barrage is off to an excellent start. I anticipate future chapters and am curious to see how the story progresses.
Barrage is available only through Weekly Shonen Jump Alpha

Wednesday, 30 May 2012

Ethan was your ordinary teenage boy, one of the cool kids at
that. One day a mysterious new girl arrives in town. Instantly labeled an
outsider, Lena and Ethan quickly develop a deep bond. But there are mysteries
in store for this pair….

Serialized in the Yen Plus comic anthology, Beautiful Creatures is a
comic adaptation of a novel of the same name. Cassandra Jean breathes life into
what could easily have been quite a generic story. The characters are
relatively interesting but what really brings this story to life is the
uniquely gorgeous art and tranquil pacing that brings to mind Japanese comic
artist Natsume Ono.

The story has some interesting elements and the heroine is
an intriguing character. The male lead, however, is largely unsympathetic
coming off as bland. Nonetheless this is an excellent start and I await seeing
what directions the story is taken in future chapters.

Beautiful Creatures is available through the Yen Plus comic anthology only.

Friday, 25 May 2012

One man keeps maintenance of a brothel, another finds
himself keeping a mistress in secret from his wife, a man and his bratty son go
to the market. Morality tales from the mind behind A Drifting Life.

If nothing else, Fallen Words is a fascinating experiment
combining the concept of rakugo (a type of play very particular to Japanese
culture) and the comics medium. The concept of morality tales for adults is
interesting to say the least. These stories are definitely geared towards a
mature audience as they frequently involve prostitution and infidelity.

This experiment is not without it’s problems however. It’s
difficult to connect with the protagonists for the most part. The art certainly
does not help matters feeling generally inexpressive. The stories also all end
on a punchline which further detracts from the experience of reading this
title. Fallen Words is somewhat
enjoyable but ultimately forgettable.

Sunday, 20 May 2012

Hidden in a field are the dead body’s of a man and his dog.
What led to their death’s? This is the story of a man, known only as Daddy and
his dog Happie. A tragic tale of devotion and loss is about to unfold.

Serialized in the seinen (men’s) Manga Action comic
anthology in Japan, Takashi Murakami’s Stargazing Dog is a true gem. Though the
one-shot comic is not even 130 pages long it manages to tell a beautifully
written narrative of a canine and his devotion to his unfortunate owner.
Refreshingly, the story is told from Happie’s perspective which results in an
even more fascinating tale.

To add to the intrigue, the story itself is a commentary on
the state of society and it’s injustices towards unemployed individuals. Happie’s
devotion to “Daddy” is at once heartening and tragic. Though Daddy has flaws
the bond Happie and he share is heartwarming and the flaws (rather than being grating)
allow him to be a more sympathetic character.

Ultimately, Stargazing Dog is a refreshing take on tales
depicting bonds between humans and their canine companions. It is a story which
will remain in one’s mind long after the final page is turned.

Stargazing Dog is available in print from NBM
Publishing and digitally on the JManga website

Wednesday, 16 May 2012

When a mysterious transfer student named Mikoto appears at
Akira’s school one day his classmates soon begin avoiding her due to her
eccentric behaviour. One day when Akira wakes up Mikoto while she is drooling
over her desk in her sleep he takes it upon himself to taste her drool. Soon
after Mikoto visits Akira at home while he’s at home sick and informs him that
he’s going through withdrawal of her drool which is causing his ailing state.
Thus begins a romantic-comedy like no other.

In case the plot summary was not clear this is a spit fetish
show. Words cannot begin to describe the disgust one may feel while viewing
this show. If you wish to squirm uncomfortably while watching something then
this is the show for you.

For everyone else stay away… stay FAR, FAR AWAY from this
baffling show. To the show’s credit it does have some things going for it: the
character designs look like nothing else out there and some of the imagery in
the show is breathtaking. However these aspects of the show are overshadowed by
scenes such as saliva erupting from Mikoto’s mouth or the parallel made between
saliva and honey.

Mysterious Girlfriend X is streaming on Crunchyroll and The
Anime Network with a home video release from Sentai Filmworks to follow in the
future.

Tuesday, 15 May 2012

Teru has many troubles to deal with from being dirt poor to
being constantly harassed by the student council. The only bright spot in 16
year old orphan Teru’s life is the text she shares with a person only known as
Daisy. Not long after shattering a window (by accident) with a baseball; bad
boy janitor Kurosaki Tasuku claims her as his “slave.”

Serialized in Betsucomi shojo (girl’s) comic anthology in
Japan, Dengeki Daisy is a breath of fresh air in the genre. The heroine is a
moralistic character and as a result easy to sympathize with. Though the entire
orphan concept has been done time and time again it’s treated exceptionally
well here.

Another positive about the protagonist is she isn’t one to
angst. Meanwhile her 24 year old romantic interest, Kurosaki, assists her
quietly from the shadows and the romance is slow to develop. This having been
said the romance itself is more than a little unsettling. Teru is at a much
different point in life (she’s only in high school) than Kurosaki.

The series also stretches suspension of disbelief at times…
there are limits to a person’s density. By volume’s end she still has not figured
out who Daisy is even though the author has basically done everything short of
telling her (and the reader) Daisy’s real identity. Ultimately, Dengeki Daisy
is a refreshing change of pace and while it has its flaws it is still a
standout in the shojo genre.

Dengeki Daisy is available in both print and digital formats
from Viz Media.

Monday, 14 May 2012

When openly gay Asagi barges into his masochistic, suicidal lover Tanuki’s
office he opens brings with him a suitcase containing within it a teenage girl.
Tanuki soon learns she is Asagi’s niece, Kuma, whose being targeted by the
Yakuza. With the help of Asagi and Tanuki, Kuma must evade capture but in the
process will she change the outlooks of those around her…?

Serialized in the
Be-Boy Gold comic anthology in Japan, Tomoko Yamashita’s josei (women’s) comic
is well written with a heart-warming message at it’s core. Yamashita’s story
never feels rushed nor does it feel incomplete in contrast to many one-shot
comics from Japan. The story and characters are subdued and mature.

Kuma herself is any easily sympathetic and the way she
changes those around her is truly moving. While this did run in a BL (Boys’
Love) anthology there’s only a few steamy kiss scenes in the book. Still this
is something I’d recommend for an adult audience since I don’t see a younger
audience fully enjoying this book.

Mo’Some Sting is available in digital format
through JManga’s website.

Sunday, 13 May 2012

With his love of alcohol and women, Baek-On traverses the
country exorcising spirits. With only his faithful bodyguard Ho-Yeon by his
side, Baek-On must assist the living with their supernatural problems. A
collection of haunting tales begins here!

Frankly the most interesting aspect of this book is the
timeline of the Tang Dynasty. That’s not to say the plotline itself is terrible
by any means but the history itself is fascinating particularly for those
uninformed on the topic. The book itself is more a collection of standalone
stories most of which involve Baek-On and Ho-Yeon in some form or another. The
importance of these characters in the stories differs wildly on the story being
told.

The stories themselves are at times both haunting and
tragic. JiUn Yun knows how to pull on the readers heart strings and keep them
involved with the plot. The book itself is also quite an easy read yet it is
something which is recommended for an older audience given some of the content
(occasional graphic content and concerns more relatable for a more mature
audience).

One complaint to be made is the comedy which often feels out
of place and a tad distracting in otherwise dark stories. The protagonists
themselves are also nowhere near as compelling as the characters they meet and
the protagonist in particular is difficult to sympathize with at times.
Regardless, Time and Again is a gem among Korean comics which I recommend at
least giving a try.

Time and Again is available from Yen Press both in both
print and digital formats.

Kenji runs maintenance checks on Oz, one day Natsuki invites
Kenji to the countryside to meet her family. Once they arrive, Natsuki
introduces him to her great grandmother as her (fake) fiancé. The situation
only worsens once a program called Love Machine starts wreaking havoc in Oz (a
virtual reality in which millions of people and businesses from around the
world use).

From start to finish Summer wars is brilliant! Despite it’s
large cast of characters (most being
members of Natsuki’s large family) and massive plot the show never once
fumbles. The voice acting is excellent and the animation (being a feature film)
is top notch as well. The musical score swells at the right moments resulting
in maximum impact.

The film has a rather organic feel to it, the resulting
product is something very easy to become absorbed in. I found myself on the
brink of tears multiple times. The best aspect of the show however is how broad
an appeal it has. It is a feel good family film which nearly anyone can enjoy.

Saturday, 12 May 2012

Kisaki has a secret she has special powers which allow her
to fight the ebe mysterious (yet adorable) aliens. She fights alongside her much
more experienced partner Giniro who she secretly has feelings for. However
courting him will be far more difficult than she ever imagined.

Serialized in the Shojo (Girl’s) comic anthology Ribon in
Japan, Mistress Fortune was created by the prolific shojo comic creator Arina
Tanemura. Perhaps better known for titles such as Full Moon and Kamikaze Kaito
Jeanne, Tanemura has created a title which is by and large perhaps the
fluffiest thing one will ever read. The series spends a fair amount of time
making jokes about the heroine’s bust size.

The main story lasts only three chapters and is only 3
quarters of this book the remaining 50 pages are 2 pointless side stories revolving
around 2 of the side characters. The series adheres quite rigidly to the
magical girl formula including the obligatory monster of the week and cute mascot. The protagonist’s friend is
introduced in the first chapter but quickly disappears never to be seen again.

My biggest complaint with this series is the character
designs: from one series to the next her female and male leads are virtually
indistinguishable. Her art however is visually appealing however even this does
not save this bland and, ultimately, forgettable series.

This one-shot comic is available both digitally and in print
from Viz Media.

One day while in choir Hikaru notices something… one of the
other boys isn’t actually singing with everyone else. He will come to learn the
boy’s name (Rihito) as he teaches him how to sing. The two will soon realize
their romantic feelings towards one another. Thus begins the trials and
tribulations of an innocent young love.

Serialized in the BL (Boys’ Love) comic anthology Opera in
Japan, which is also home to House of Five Leave’s Natsume Ono’s BL comics. Unlike
several BL titles, Doukyusei is a title easily accessible to a much wider
audience due in no small part to the innocence the series has, this is a subtle
tale of young love. That’s not to say there’s nothing here for fans of the BL
genre, there are several steamy kiss scenes for that audience as well but this
is a title I see having a much broader appeal.

As the story progresses over the course of Hikaru’s and
Rihito high school years the reader watches as the young couple struggles and
grows. All the while the story maintains, with ease, a more sophisticated tone
meant for a mature audience. These are very sympathetic characters: when the characters
ache—the reader aches, when the characters experience joy so does the reader.

At present this oneshot is only available on the Jmanga website
but I am uncertain if it is one of the titles they’ve made available worldwide
or not.

Welcome to the Cartoon Geek Corner blog! I'll be posting reviews for comic and animations from both North America and overseas. This is my way of giving back to a medium which has given me so much. Enjoy!